Ganesha Ratha Temple

About Ganesha Ratha Temple
Vital Information for Visitors
Address:

Ganesha Ratha Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Open & Close:

Open on all days: 06:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fees:

No Entry Fee

Duration:

Approx 30 minutes

History:

Built in 7th Century

Significance:

Dedicated to Lord Ganesha

Mahabalipuram, the land of temples & mountains, is home to a few rock cut monuments, carved out of pink stone and the Ganesh Ratha is one of the ten Rathas. Back in the day, when Narasimha Varma ruled the dynasty, the temple used to be a Shiva temple, but later the ‘lingam’ was removed and it was then re-discovered as a ‘Ganesh Temple’. The chariot is believed to be a replica of an old wooden chariot from that time, although its intricate craft makes it stand out. The structure also is an example of the Dravidian style of architecture. This three tiered structure is beautifully sculpted and resembles most of the temples in southern India. It is studded with images and has about 18 inscriptions in ‘Nagari’ script of the Sanskrit language. Since it was built during Narasimha’s reign, it is said that one of the verses is dedicated to his grandchild, while the other are in praise of the great Lord Shiva.

The structure is said to also resemble the ‘Bhima Ratha’ from the ‘Panch Rathas’ and like most of the temples of that duration, this too has a portico outside, with the lion base pillars & dwarapalaks (guardians) flanked by sculpture. All along the walls, there are horseshoe shaped window depictions, which are called ‘Kudu’. On the windows on either sides, there are horse-shoe shaped doors, as well, where in the door in the centre has a sculpture of Lord Shiva. On a look up, the wagon shaped woof, with arches at its corners is seen. Although, incomplete with carving missing here and there and empty walls, its calm and serene atmosphere is what makes the place a must visit.

Ganesha Ratha, like most in Mahabalipuram also, has its long lost tales. It is said that the temple used to be called Arjuna’s Ratha, for it is close to the Arjuna’s Penance. Much later, the Shiva lingam was taken away by the Britishers somewhere in the 19th Century and it was renamed as the Ganesh Ratha after the locals placed a Ganesha image inside. Although, the lingam replaced with that of an image of Ganesha is rather sad maybe, as in times of difficulty, the locals come worship the Ganesha, who is believed to be the “remover of obstacles” by the Hindu Mythology.

It is these long lost tales that make us wonder, how the meaning behind temples & monuments, even carved out of a rock, many centuries ago, can always be interpreted, giving rise to a new perspective perhaps. But it is the work of the skilled artisans from centuries ago, and the creation & preservation of the arts form by the Pallava Dynasty that we today, can witness in this city of temples, caves & monuments.

Mahabalipuram Tour Packages

Grand Tour of South India

Grand Tour of South India

21 Nights / 22 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Pondicherry-Thanjavur-Thanjavur-Trichy-Chettinad- Madurai-Periyar Lake-Aleppey-Kochi-Bangalore-Mysore-Hassan-Hospet-Hampi-Badami-Goa

Leisure Tour of South India

Leisure Tour of South India

12 Nights / 13 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Bangalore-Mysore-Bandipur-Coonoor-Ooty-Kochi-Alleppey

Splendours of South India

Splendours of South India

22 Nights / 23 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry-Thanjavur-Trichy-Madurai-Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Best of South India Tour

Best of South India Tour

16 Nights / 17 Days
Destination : Bangaluru- Hassan – Mysore – Coonoor – Kochi – Kumarakom – Thekkady – Madurai – Trichy- Tanjore – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram - Chennai

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